The Influencer Project

Comedian Katt Williams has spoken to The New York Times about the books that shaped him and his forthcoming memoir. The interview offers readers a rare, literary-minded look at the comedian's influences and the story behind his decision to write his life story down. Fans of the comic have taken an interest in what a more personal, reflective project from Williams will reveal.

Malaysia is developing a new research corridor spanning Asia, an initiative reported by the South China Morning Post. The project is framed as a way for the country to position itself scientifically and strategically in response to China's growing regional influence. Details on funding, partners and timeline remain limited, but the story is drawing attention to how smaller Asian states are rethinking research ties amid shifting geopolitics.

The US government's America.gov website has relaunched with AI features, built by former members of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and powered by Musk's Grok chatbot. The project ties the federal web presence directly to Musk's xAI technology, raising questions about procurement, political influence and the role of AI in official government communications.

Liz Harris, the experimental musician behind the project Grouper, has given an interview to The Guardian discussing the music industry's dangers, including streaming scams and the pressures of virality, saying it is 'rational to fear' the industry. She also talks about her 'restorative' dream-pop trio, describing how the new band setup has influenced her recent work and outlook on making music outside mainstream structures.

Malaysia is developing a new research corridor spanning Asia, a project scientists say is designed to respond to China's growing scientific and economic influence in the region. The initiative aims to strengthen research collaboration across Asian countries and position Malaysia as a regional hub for science and innovation as geopolitical dynamics shift.